FAA prohibits US airlines from flying to Haiti after plane hit by gunfire
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a 30-day restriction on U.S. flights to Haiti after gangs opened fire on three commercial planes. This wave of violence also led the United Nations to temporarily stop its flights to Port-au-Prince, significantly reducing humanitarian aid to the country.
The latest incident occurred on Monday when bullets struck a Spirit Airlines plane preparing to land in Port-au-Prince, injuring a flight attendant and resulting in an immediate airport shutdown. American Airlines and JetBlue later confirmed bullet impacts on their planes departing from the capital, with American Airlines subsequently suspending its flights until mid-February.
This violence erupted as Haiti inaugurated its new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, under tense circumstances. Streets in Port-au-Prince were largely deserted, with schools, banks, and government offices closed while gunfire echoed in the streets. Despite political efforts to restore order, armed gangs continue to control approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince, according to U.N. estimates.
The impact on humanitarian aid
The United Nations has warned that restricted access to Port-au-Prince could severely limit the distribution of critical aid supplies. U.N. flights have been redirected to Cap Haïtien, a quieter northern city, but the impact on aid distribution is already apparent. A convoy carrying food and medical supplies south of the capital was postponed, and cash assistance programs in volatile areas have been canceled.
"We are doing all we can to ensure the continuation of operations amidst this challenging environment," U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, calling for an end to violence to ensure safe humanitarian access. He emphasized that a sustained flow of aid is vital for a population on the brink of famine.
Haitian police officers deploy in Port-au-Prince as they exchange gunfire with alleged gang members on November 11, 2024. Alix Didier Fils-Aime was sworn in as Haiti's new prime minister on November 11, promising to restore security and tackle gang v
Local frustrations and the response from the U.S. and Dominican Republic
Locals, who rely on daily market access to sustain their livelihoods, are expressing frustration with the ongoing violence. Martha Jean-Pierre, a vendor in Port-au-Prince, voiced the feelings of many Haitians, saying, "What good is a new prime minister if there’s no security, if I can't move freely and sell my goods?"
In response to the unrest, the U.S. State Department urged Haiti’s transitional government to prioritize governance over personal interests. The statement underscored the need for a clear plan to reduce violence and set the stage for elections, calling the current situation a hindrance to progress.
In a display of solidarity, Dominican President Luis Abinader condemned the violence, describing the recent plane shootings as acts of terrorism.
Calls for further international action
The escalating violence has renewed calls for a robust international peacekeeping presence, with critics noting the limitations of the U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police in Haiti. This mission has struggled with funding and lacks the personnel to make a meaningful impact, prompting discussions of potentially deploying a U.N. peacekeeping force.
As Haiti grapples with the realities of daily gang violence, international observers and locals alike are looking to leaders for solutions that can restore peace, ensure safe passage of humanitarian aid, and bring much-needed stability to the nation.